Insulated dual container



1960 c. J, PALERMO INSULATED DUAL CONTAINER 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug.25, 1958 R. E W

CARMINE J. PALERMO A 7 70mm Dec. 6, 1960 c. J. PALERMO INSULATED DUALCONTAINER 2 Sheets-Sheet 2' Filed Aug. 25, 1958 INVENTOR.

ATTOEAZY INSULATED DUAL CONTAINER Carmine J. Palermo, 2616 CambrelenAve., Bronx, NY.

Filed Aug. 25, 1958, Ser. No. 756,811

3 Claims. (Cl. 215-13) This invention relates to insulated containers,that is, containers of the type in which liquids may be kept either in ahot or in a cold condition, as desired.

Ordinarily, containers of the character described conprise a metal shellor outer jacket, an inner shell or liner which is of a heat and coldinsulating material, such as glass, and insulation filling the spacebetween the inner and outer shells, said insulation being of varioustypes.

A container of the character described is usually of the single type,and this has certain disadvantages. Notable among these is the fact thatsuch a container can hold a hot liquid, or alternatively a cold liquid.However, it cannot hold both at the same time, since there is only asingle liquid receptacle.

The main object of the present invention is to provide a dual containerof the general kind described above, which container will have tworeceptacles separated from each other by insulation material. In one ofthese receptacles hot liquid may be placed. In the other, a cold liquidmay be placed. Both liquids may be carried in the double container atthe same time. Obviously, hot liquids could if desired be placed in bothof the receptacles. Alternatively, cold liquids could be placed in bothof the receptacles. It is thus proposed, in carrying out the invention,to provide a novel, large-capacity container characterized by itsdistinct versatility in respect to the amount and different types ofliquids which it may carry at one and the same time.

Another object is to provide a novel formation of the surface of theinner, glass shell. In achieving this object, it is proposed to providean undulant or wavy inner surface in direct contact with the liquid.Said surface, by reason of its particular shape, is particularlydesigned to improve the insulation action of'the glass material orequivalent insulating means.

Another object is to provide a container of the type stated which,though of the double type, will be compact so as to be capable ofstorage in a relatively small area. This is important, of course, ontrips taken in automobiles, in circumstances in which it is oftennecessary to conserve every possible space.

A further object is to provide a double container as described which canbe manufactured at comparatively low cost.

Still another object is to provide a double container that will be, inone form of" the invention, equipped with a removable partition which ishermetically sealed and is completely hollow to provide a dead airspace. In this way, it is proposed that the partition serve a dualfunction. In carrying out one function, the partition separates twoindividually removable containers which could be used separately ifdesired. In discharging its other function, the partition serves as aheat insulation means. In discharging a third function, the partitionserves as a hold-down device for the individually removable containers.v

2,963,188 Patented Dec. 6, 1960 Another object, in both forms of theinvention, is to provide partitioning means which will in any eventdefinitely serve as a highly efficient insulator, thus to prevent heattransfer between the hot and cold liquids to the maximumdegree.

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects andadvantages thereof, reference will be had to the following descriptionand accompanying drawings,

and to the appended claims in which the various novel features of theinvention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this disclosure:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a double container according to thepresent invention.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged horizontal section through the container takensubstantially on line 22 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a vertical section through the container, on the'same scale asFig. 2, taken on line 33 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a view partly in elevation and partly in vertical section, onthe same scale as Fig. 2, taken substantially on line 44 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a view like Fig. 1 showing a modified con struction of thedouble container.

Fig. 6 is a view like Fig. 1 showing another modification in the doublecontainer.

Fig. 7 is a view like Fig. 1 showing yet another modification.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of the container shown in Fig.7, with the combined partitioning,

insulating, and hold-down means being partly removed.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged view like Fig. 4 of the modifiedconstruction shownin Figs. 7 and 8.

Fig. 10 is a top plan view of the device shown in Fig. 7, on the samescale as Fig. 9.

Referring to the drawings in detail, in the form of tie invention shownin Figs. 1-4, the double container has been generally designated 10, andincludes an outer shell 11 having rounded ends 12. The outer shell 1-1also includes a flat bottom plate 14 (see Figs. 2 and 3) having anupwardly rolled bead 16 extending continuously throughout its periphery,said bead engaging an outwardly directed peripheral lip 18 formed uponthe bottom edge of the side wall 20' of the shell 11.

The shell further includes a top wall 22, which, like the side wall andbottom plate, has rounded ends so that the peripheries of the top wall,side wall, and bot-. tom plate will all be in substantial registration.The top wall 22 has a continuous, depending peripheral flange 24, thebottom edge of which has an inwardly directed lip 26 crimped intoengagement with an outwardly directed lip 28 formed upon the top edge ofthe side Wall 20. The top wall 22 slopes downwardly toward its peripheryas shown to bestadvantage in Figs. 3 and 4.

Top wall 22, at locations spaced longitudinally thereof,- is integrallyformed with an upwardly directed neck 30, having coarse threads 32formed therein, at the base of the neck. Neck 30, at its upper end, isintegrallyformed with a depending cylindrical portion or internal flange34, engaging the reduced diameter upper end portion 36 of an inner shellor liner 38 of glass material,

the inner surface 40 of which is formed with regularly spaced,circumferentially extending, continuous undulations or corrugations 42.

The liner 38 thus has a large-diameter lower portion 44, said linerbeing permanently closed at its lower end by a bottom wall 46. The lowerportion 44 at its upper end merges into an upwardly tapering top portion48 portion 36 of the liner.

tapering formation, and has internal threads 54 engageable with thethreads 32. Thus, when the device is completely closed, the cup 52 isthreaded onto the threaded base 32 of the neck 30 of the outer shell, asshown in Fig. 3.

Of course, when liquids are to be poured from the cont ainer, thestopper 50 of the selected receptacle is removed, following removal ofthe cup 52. The liquid may then be poured out, and can be poureddirectly into the cup for consumption therefrom.

It will be understood, of course, that the liner shown in Fig. 3 wouldbe duplicated in the other receptacle of the double container, and infact the construction shown in Fig. 3 is exactly duplicated at the otherend of the container, as will be clearly apparent from Fig. 2. In thisway, there are provided two, identical, longitudinally spacedreceptacles, which have been designated 56, 58 in Fig. 2, one beingadapted to hold a hot liquid and the other being adapted to hold a coldliquid.

Of course, there would be a tendency toward heat transfer between theliquids in these circumstances. Therefore, in addition to the insulation60 surrounding the glass liner within the shell, there is provided apartition generally designated 62. Said partition, as shown in Fig. 4,extends the full height of the shell, and a shown in Fig. 2 thepartition extends the full width of the container. The partition has amidwidth portion 64 which is relatively narrow, said midwidth portionmerging into progressively widened side portions 66 which are in directcontact with the opposite sides of the shell.

The partition 62 is completely hollow, and is permanently sealed so asto provide, over the full width and height of the shell, a completelyclosed dead air space 68 within the partition. A dead air space is wellrecognized as being one of the most effective types of insulatiomand isparticularly valuable in the present instance, cooperating with theinstallation 60 in preventing heat transfer from the hot to the coldliquid contained in the respective receptacles of the dual container.

The partition 62, in the form of the invention shown in Figs. 14, ispermanently secured within the shell, and could be spot welded orotherwise secured to the Wall of the shell. Alternatively, the partitioncould be merely fitted tightly into the shell, during the manufacture ofthe device.

Referring now to Fig. 5, there is here shown a modified double containergenerally designated 70. This is identical in every respect to thecontainer shown in'Figs. 1-4, with the exception that instead of thecups 52, there are merely provided internally threaded closures 72 ofinverted cup shape, which serve to cap the respective receptacles, afterthe stoppers 50 have beenapplied. However, the eups 52 could be used inthe'form of the invention shown in Fig. 5 as desired. Conversely, thecaps or closures 72 could housed in the form shown in Figs. 1-4, inplace of the cups 52.

The device shown in Fig. 5 difiers from the'first form in that it has,atits opposite, rounded ends, spouts 74. These would be in communicationwith the interiors of the respective receptacles. Caps 76 are applied tothe dispensing spouts, being connected to light chains 78 which areconnected to small eyes 80 secured to theshell of the container belowthe respective spouts 74.

InFig. 6 there is shown :another modification 82. This is identical inallrespects to the first form of the'invention, and as will beunderstood, instead of'thelcups 52, the container 82 could be providedwith the caps 72.

The container .82 differs from the first form'ofthe invention only inthat it is provided with outwardly projecting faucets 84 at itsopposite, rounded ends, adjacent the bottoms of the respectivereceptacles. The faucets 84 have-downwardly turned distal ends 86. Flowof liquid through the faucets is controlled by valves 88 which wouldgormally be disposed :in their closed position shown in .ig.-6.

Referring now to the form of the invention shown in Figs. 7-10, there ishere shown a double container generally designated 90. This form differsfrom the forms previously described, in that it can be used as a doublecontainer, but will also permit individual use of identical insulatedreceptacles generally designated 92. Each receptacle 92 can he used as aconventional, single compartment type of insulated container,independently of the other receptacles. One may thus purchase the deviceshown in Fig. 9, with the idea of using theinsulating containers 92separately under normal conditions. The com tainers 92, thus, could beused daily by two different children in carrying hot or cold liquidsto-school. At such time, how ever, as it is desired to use-a doublecontainer, as for example, to carry liquids on an extended automobiletrip or on a picnic or hunting trip, one inserts the two, normallyseparately used containers 92 into an outer shell or jacket 94. Acombined insulating, hold-down, and partitioning means generallydesignated 96 is inserted between the containers or receptacles 92 inthese circumstances as shown in Fig. 9.

This is the overall general arrangement of the double container shown inFigs. 7-10. Considering now the detailed construction thereof, the outershell or jacket 94 includes a side wall 98, having rounded ends 100,that is, the side wall 98 has the same general shape as the side wall 20of the first form. The outer jacket 94 further includes a bottom plate102, having a peripheral bead 104 crimped over the outwardly directedperipheral lip 106 formed integrally upon the lower end of the side wall100.

The outer jacket 94 differs from the outer shells of the forms of theinvention previously described herein, in that it is formed completelyopen at its upper end, the upper end of the jacket being designated-at108. The top edge of the jacket is formed witha'continuous, loutwardlyrolled bead 110 to prevent one from cutting ones self upon the otherwisesharp edge that would be produced at said top edge of the jacket.

The individual insulated receptacles 92 are insertable in the upwardlyopen jacket 94, and when the partition 96 is inserted between thereceptacles 92 in the manner shown in Fig. 7, said partition serves towedgingly engage the receptacles in the outer jacket. However, thepartition has additional means for holding the receptacles within thejacket.

Before, however, considering the details of the partition construction,it may be appropriate to consider the details of the construction ofeach receptacle 92. Each receptacle 92 includes an outer casing 112,formed of sheet metal material or the like. Casing 112 includes a sidewall 114 integral or otherwise made rigid atits lower end with a flatbottom wall 116. Side wall 114 at its upper end is integral with anupwardly tapering neck 118, having threads at its lower end. Neck 118,at its upper end, is'integral with a depending sleeve 122'which is inengagement with the reduced-diameter 'upper end portion 124 of a glassliner 126 having an undulating inner surface 128 and a completely closedbottom 130. Insulationmaterial 132 .fills the space between the linerand the shell 112. An inverted cup 134 is internally threaded to engagethe threaded base 120 of neck 118 and a stopper. 136 is engaged in thereduced-diameter portion 124 as shown in Fig. 9.

In some forms of the invention, the outer shell 112 could be completelycircular in cross section. In the illustrated example, however, theshell 114, at one location onits circumference, has a flat surface 138in directly opposed, parallel relation to a corresponding flat surfaceof the other receptacle 92.

The partition 96 includes a hollow spacer member 140, hermetically,permanently sealed to provide a dead air space 142 extending the fullwidth and length of the outer jacket 94. Thus, the member 140 providesa. very effective insulation, preventing heat transfer betweenhot andcold liquids carried in the respective receptacles 92.

The member 140 has a relatively narrow midwidth portion 144, which fillsthe space between the fiat surfaces 138. The opposite, flat walls of themidwidth portion 144 are in engagement with the flat surfaces 138 of theouter shells 112 of the respective receptacles 92. The side portions 146of the partition are progressively increased in width in a directiontoward the respective sides of the outer jacket.

The member 140 at its uper end is permanently closed by a top wall 148.Medially between the opposite sides of the member 140, a short,vertically upwardly projecting post or support pin 150, which can be offlattened formation as shown in Figs. 7 and 8, is welded as at 152 tothe top wall. Post 150 at its upper end is integral with a connectorplate 154 which in turn is integral at its opposite ends with coplanar,horizontal, hold-down rings 156, the inner surfaces of which are facedwith rubber gaskets 158 (see Fig. 9).

As previously noted, the receptacles 92 could be separately used as anormal, single-compartment insulating container. When the device is tobe used as a double container, the receptacles are filled with liquids,which may be of different temperatures as previously noted. Thereceptacles are then inserted in the outer jacket 94. Then, thepartition 96 is inserted in the space between the receptacles 92, beingmoved downwardly as shown in Fig. 8. As the partition moves downwardly,it frictionally binds the receptacles 92 against the side wall of theouter jacket. Eventually, when the partition moves to its fully insertedposition shown in Pig. 7, the rubber facings 158 of the hold-down rings156 will bear firmly against the upwardly tapering cups 134 in themanner shown in Figs. 7 and 9. The rubber facings prevent damage to thecups.

The rings, as shown in Fig. 7, completely encircle the cups intermediatethe upper and lower ends of the cups. The cups thus cannot be threadedoff the necks 118. At the same time, the rubber gaskets compress toincrease frictional engagement between the rings and cups. All the partsare thus interengaged, and since the containers themselves are alreadyquite firmly wedged in the outer jacket, the rings serve to hold thereceptacles against moving outwardly from the jacket.

Of course, at such time as it is desired to remove one or the otherreceptacles for the purpose of pouring liquid therefrom, the partitionmeans is simply lifted out of the space between the receptacles, and theselected receptacle is removed so as to permit it to be uncapped.Subsequently, when it is returned to place, the partition means isswiftly inserted, and once again begins to discharge its partitioning,hold-down, and insulating function.

In all forms of the invention there is the common characteristic whereinthere is effective heat insulation in the partition means between thespaced liquid-receiving areas. Further, said means, in all forms of theinvention, has still another function which has previously not beenmentioned. This is the function of cross-bracing the outer shell orjacket medially between the rounded, opposite ends of said jacket. Astrong device, capable of withstanding heavy shocks, thus results.

While I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of myinvention, it is to be understood that I do not limit myself to theprecise constructions herein disclosed and that various changes andmodifications may be made within the scope of the invention as definedin the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire tosecure by United States Letters Patent is:

1. An insulated dual container comprising an outer shell, and a pair ofreceptacles within said outer shell, having liquid-receiving cavitiesabout which insulation is extended, said receptacles being wholly out ofcom munication with each other, for storage of liquids in eachreceptacle independently of the other receptacle, each receptacleincluding a removable cap disposed ex teriorly of the shell, and meansextending transversely of the shell between the receptacles to form apartition separating the interior of the shell into separate spaces inwhich the receptacles are respectively disposed, said partition beingremovable from the shell, the partition including a hollow, hermeticallysealed member to provide a dead air space between the receptacles, thereceptacles being removably engaged in the shell so as to be usableindependently of the shell and of each other, as individual insulatedcontainers, the partition including a pair of integral rings engageableabout the caps in the inserted position of the partition to hold thereceptacles in the shell.

2. An insulated dual container comprising an outer shell, and a pair ofreceptacles within said outer shell, having liquid-receiving cavitiesabout which insulation is extended, said receptacles being wholly out ofcommunication with each other, for storage of liquids in each receptacleindependently of the other receptacle, each receptacle including aremovable cap disposed exteriorly of the shell, and means extendingtransversely of the shell between the receptacles to form a partitionseparating the interior of the shell into separate spaces in which thereceptacles are respectively disposed, said partition being removablefrom the shell, the partition including a hollow, hermetically sealedmember to provide a dead air space between the receptacles, thereceptacles being removably engaged in the shell so as to be usableindependently of the shell and of each other, as individual insulatedcontainers, the partition including a pair of integral rings engageableabout the caps in the inserted position of the partition to hold thereceptacles in the shell, said caps being of tapered form to wedge inthe rings.

3. An insulated dual container comprising an outer shell, and a pair ofreceptacles within said outer shell, having liquid-receiving cavitiesabout which insulation is extended, said receptacles being wholly out ofcommunication with each other, for storage of liquids in each receptacleindependently of the other receptacle, each receptacle including aremovable cap disposed exteriorly of the shell, and means extendingtransversely of the shell between the receptacles to form a partitionseparating the interior of the shell into separate spaces in which thereceptacles are respectively disposed, said partition being removablefrom the shell, the partition including a hollow, hermetically sealedmember to provide a dead air space between the receptacles, thereceptacles being removably engaged in the shell so as to be usableindependently of the shell and of each other, as individual insulatedcontainers, the partition including a pair of integral rings engageableabout the caps in the inserted position of the partition to hold thereceptacles in the shell, said caps being of tapered form to wedge inthe rings, the caps being threaded, the receptacles including threadednecks receiving the caps, thus to hold the caps against rotation in adirection to remove the same, when the caps are wedged in the rings.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS565,508 Rothenbach Aug. 11, 1896 1,229,032 Collar June 5, 1917 2,644,578Bramming July 7, 1953 2,645,392 Gottsegen et al. July 14, 1953 FOREIGNPATENTS 55,155 Sweden Aug. 1, 1923 56.174 Sweden Mar. 4. 1924

